The proposal
"Will you marry me?"
Amy was dumbfounded; she didn't know what to say.
Yes, she loves Noah, she did so very much, but she loves her career, too. If she decides to say yes, she has to stay in the country and be the supportive wife of an upcoming football legend. But that's not what she wants. She wants to go to Japan to research biomedicine innovations and practice as a pediatric neurosurgeon.
The shock on Amy's face is not the shock of someone who has just been proposed. Noah trembled as he felt Amy's hesitation.
"Marry me, Amy, please." He begged.
"Before I answer your question, I have something to tell you." Amy's voice cracked as she lowered herself to match Noah's gaze. Her hands cupped Noah's face.
"I was chosen for the internship in Japan. Professor Sung told they wanted me to lead the research. I don't know how long they need me to help with the research there. If we get married now…." Amy whispered.
"You can still come home to me, right? It's not as if Japan is a universe away. We can work this out". Noah whispered, looking at the diamond ring he wished to put on the woman who was now breaking his heart.
Amy couldn't bear to see Noah cry. Noah was now sobbing like a child who had lost his precious toy. She has never seen Noah cry like this. Not when his dog died, not when he lost the championship a year ago.
"But how about during your training season and the harshness of the football season? I might not be able to match your schedule. You might not be able to match mine," Amy said, still holding Noah's downcasted face.
Noah didn't say anything. He knows she was right. It will be too complicated for them to see each other, let alone support each other from afar. But what made Noah sad was Amy's hesitation. She could have just said yes, and they can figure out the rest. They love each other, and shouldn't 'love' be enough?
She can still be a magnificent doctor here; she already had biomedical companies and big-shot hospitals wanting to hire her. Why couldn't she just choose to be with him? Like he would prefer to be with her.
As if reading his thoughts, Amy whispered, "I love you, Noah. I do. But..... " she was about to say something but closed her mouth instead. "I don't know… I'm sorry."
Noah lifted his head "will you not marry me then?"
Amy looked at the box Noah was holding and said, "I love you, Noah. Please give me some time to think about it, please". Amy started crying again.
"If that's your answer," Noah forced a smile and kissed Amy's forehead.
The sun had now set, and Noah and Amy were walking back to their lodge. The unseen tension between them seemed to settle, but it was too peaceful. Too peaceful that it deafens Amy's heart. She would rather Noah be angry. But he is not.
"Well, I guess it's time for me to go to see the boys. It's the tradition we sleep in our dorms the night before the big day," Noah said as he turned to meet Amy's beautiful brown eyes.
"Break a leg, but not really," Amy now tried to somehow ease the tension that was not even there.
"Good thing I have a fiance that is a doctor" Noah didn't mean to say it out loud. Noah panicked and looked at Amy, who was now sullen.
"Just kidding. I was just replying to the joke," Noah explained as he ran his hand on the back of his head.
It was clear. The answer to Noah's proposal was right there in front of them. But it seems no one wants to acknowledge it. Before all this, Noah and Amy can banter like kids and not worry if the exchange was too mean or harsh.
Noah grabbed Amy by the waist and kissed her soft lips. Amy met his longing, the most passionate kiss they ever had; the only thing was both of them were crying.